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Cathedral · Gênova, Liguria
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Genoa Cathedral, consecrated in 1118, with a Gothic façade of white and black bands and a treasury museum in the underground level.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is Genoa’s cathedral (duomo). Construction began around 1110, and Pope Gelasius II consecrated it in 1118 before it was finished. Work continued until the 14th century, and the dome and bell tower date from the 16th century.
The Gothic façade, with bands of white marble and dark stone, was completed in the early 14th century after a fire in 1296. Inside, the chapel of St. John the Baptist houses relics of the city’s patron and Renaissance sculptures.
In the nave, a plaque commemorates a 381 mm naval shell fired by a British battleship on February 9, 1941, during World War II. It pierced the wall and did not explode, and it remains on display in the church.
Underground is the Museo del Tesoro, with goldsmithing pieces. The best known is the Sacro Catino, a dish brought from Caesarea in the 12th century that tradition links to the Last Supper.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes in the church; an additional 30 to 45 minutes if you include the treasury museum.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, outside mass times. Check the treasury museum’s opening hours, as it operates on its own schedule.
How to get there
It is on Piazza San Lorenzo in the historic center, about a 5-minute walk from Piazza De Ferrari via Via San Lorenzo.
Tip
Wear shoulders and knees covered. Admission to the church is free; the treasury museum requires a ticket.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Do you have to pay to enter the cathedral?
Entrance to the church is free. The Museo del Tesoro, in the basement, has an admission fee.
What grenade is that inside the church?
It is a grenade from a British ship fired in 1941, during the Second World War, that went through the wall and did not explode. It is displayed in the nave with a plaque.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. To enter, shoulders and knees must be covered.